About the Author

The Dax Hunter Files

This popular five-book espionage and thriller series follows the high-octane adventures of a protagonist whose exploits must surely have been inspired by the author’s own unique experiences.

With a life as action-packed as his political thrillers, author Gary Albyn draws on a vast and varied background that has taken him from the African bushveld to the war-torn streets of Baghdad. Combining his personal experiences with a passion for history and conservation, Albyn crafts gripping fiction that is both authentic and immersive.

The heart of an adventurer

Originally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Albyn's story is rooted in his abiding love for aviation. In 1979 he joined the Rhodesian Air Force as a trainee pilot. Part of his training included bush survival skills taught by one of the founding members of the elite Selous Scouts—a regiment whose tactics are still studied by Special Force Operators around the world. Forty-five years on, Albyn includes many of those survival lessons in his handy guide, Bastion Avenues—Building A Bug Out Bag.

Albyn’s adventurous spirit never waned, leading him to a career filled with diverse and high-stakes roles. His past accomplishments include:

  • Helicopter pilot

  • 1992 Co-Winner of the Camel Off-Road Adventure in South Africa

  • Board-level positions in the corporate world

  • Serving as a Private Military Contractor after the Second Gulf War

  • Consulting with documentary film crews on two different continents

  • Senior Instructor at one of the world's most distinguished bodyguard academies in Cape Town, South Africa.

A new chapter

Today, Albyn lives with his wife Cathy in California, where he continues to craft his suspenseful thrillers and advocate for wildlife conservation. His personal history, from navigating geopolitical conflicts to protecting high-net-worth individuals, infuses his fiction with a level of detail and authenticity that few can match. Gary Albyn's life is proof that sometimes, the most exciting stories aren't just in books—they're lived.

Manzovo—Place of the Elephants (2009): This title, for which Albyn and acclaimed artist Craig Bone received a medal at the 2010 SAPPI Book-of-the-Year Awards, reflects both men’s deep passion for Africa’s natural heritage.

Izwi Lami—My Voice: A Zulu allegory richly illustrated by South African wildlife artist Fuz Caforio. Writing in his foreword, renowned South African author GG Alcock described Albyn not just as a poet, but as an imbongi—a Zulu warrior praise singer—for the powerful voice he gives to Africa's rich history.

A Shift to Storytelling

From his competitiveness to his compassion, from his flying skills to his time in hostile environments, Albyn's transition into writing was a natural fit for his dramatic background. Regardless of genre, each of his books capture the essence of his real-world experiences.